Pierson Guardsmen Smoky Hill retires after vie for top hosts 39 years of marksmen Operation Air service . . . .2 title ...... 6 Force ...... 9 PlPlaaininss GuGuaardirdiaann Volume 53 No. 4 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol September 2010 Kansas Soldiers take over force protection mission in Africa By Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Graham CJTF-HOA Public Affairs “We are here to be diplo- The 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, mats and strengthen our 137th Infantry Regiment, Kansas National Guard, conducted a Relief in Place and partnership with the Dji- Transfer of Authority with the 1st Battal- boutian people.” ion, 65th Infantry Regiment, Puerto Rico Lt. Col. Gregg Mittman National Guard, June 24 at Camp Lemon- nier, Djibouti. The Kansas battalion as- sumed the lead in force protection and Lt. Col. Greg Mittman, 2-137th CAB bat- standing watch duties at the camp. talion commander, said he was excited to as- Relief in Place and Transfer of Authority sume his duties and responsibilities in is the process where one battalion takes the Djibouti. He also said Africa presents chal- place of another. Over the course of several lenges unlike any he experienced on his pre- days, each member of the oncoming team vious deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan. followed his counterpart, trying to absorb “The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn every aspect of that job. of Africa mission is different because we Maj. Albert Irizarry, 1-65th Infantry Reg- are not involved in a kinetic environment,” iment battalion commander, said duty at said Mittman. “We are here to be diplomats Camp Lemonnier was a great experience and strengthen our partnership with the for the battalion’s leadership. Djiboutian people.” “This ceremony was symbolic,” said “Our Soldiers want to develop a bond with Irizarry. “It means a lot for us and it vali- the people of this country and experience dates our Soldier’s sacrifices and hard their rich history and culture,” said Mittman. work. The men and women of the Puerto “Most Americans will never get an opportu- The command flag of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, is passed from one unit to another Rico National Guard met the challenges nity to visit a place so rich in culture.” during a Transfer of Authority ceremony for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of head on and they should be commended.” Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Hester said Africa mission. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Graham) Irizarry also said the 2/137th CAB has every Soldier was ready to get the deploy- been learning local procedures and prepar- ment started. Joint exercise tests civilian, ing to fully assume force protection and “The HOA mission is a unique opportunity watch standing duties. (Continued on Page 3) military first responders Himalayan peak the next challenge By Sgt. Jason Lee scenario was.” Public Affairs Office The overall objective of the exercise was for Kansas National Guardsman Crisis City, a training site for emergency to test how well the first responder agencies By Stephen D. Larson ments, Isaacson was injured twice, the first responders in Salina, hosted Operation worked together in a real world situation. Public Affairs Office time in 2005 by the explosion of a land Smoky Hill, a first responder exercise July “The training has been incredibly realistic “I need a challenge in life,” says Kansas mine set off by a 11-18 that included nearly 300 participants in my opinion,” said Coots.”And I know for National Guard Capt. Aaron “Ike” Isaacson. vehicle as he from local, state and federal agencies. a fact that all of the first responders at the Isaacson has already seen plenty of chal- walked beside it. The training event began with a preplan- local, state and federal levels that partici- lenges, including deployments to Iraq in The explosion ning phase with participating agencies de- pated have achieved their exercise objectives 2004, 2005 and 2006, followed by a tour in damaged his hear- termining their roles in a given crisis. The and received some outstanding training.” Afghanistan in 2008. During these deploy- ing and caused exercise went into action when a simulated The eight day Operation Smoky Hill exer- minor head and bomb derailed a train and a second simu- cise encompassed members from the state to neck trauma. These lated detonation took down a high-rise county and federal government. Participants injuries resulted in apartment building. From there, first re- included the Kansas Division of Emergency his award of the sponders from across Kansas took action. Management, Kansas Department of Health Purple Heart. “They developed a plan. It was an all- and Environment, Kansas Highway Patrol, PAID hazard plan,” said Frank Coots, Crisis City Isaacson’s sec- Capt. Aaron Isaacson Kansas Regional Search and Rescue Team, PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE ond major injury manager. “They did not know what the (Continued on Page 2) PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT was during his Afghanistan deployment. While conducting combat operations along the Pakistan boarder he broke his right leg. But those challenges did not keep him from taking on a new one—climbing to the top of a mountain in Nepal. Isaacson, a member of the Kansas National Guard’s 69th Troop Command, will join a team of wounded warriors from other branches of the U.S. military for a “Soldiers to the Sum- mit” expedition Oct. 2-21, 2010, that will take them to the top of Mount Lobuche, a 20,075 foot peak located just 8.7 miles from Mount Everest. The expedition is organized by World TEAM Sports, a non-profit organ- ization that showcases what can be achieved by disabled athletes through the power of an inclusive and diverse team. “I’ve always been impressed by the spirit of our fighting men and women, es- pecially our wounded warriors,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “I’ve met so many of them who, although 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL they have been wounded, sometimes terri- Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT bly so, they don’t give up. They say ‘I’m Members of Kansas Task Force 3 extricate a “victim” trapped in a collapsed struc- NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL not going to let this beat me’ and they ture during Operation Smoky Hill, an interagency training exercise conducted at don’t. They deserve our honor and respect, Crisis City, a multiuse training facility at the Great Plains Joint Training Center, DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 6) Salina. (Photo by Jane Welch, Public Affairs Office) Page 2 Plains Guardian • September 2010 Division command was “best experience of my entire career” Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson, command- three years and nine training events, including a year-long de- ing care of their families,” Pierson said. ing general of the 35th Infantry Division, months. As the ployment to Kosovo; a successful overseas “People that serve with me understand that Kansas Army National Guard, will pass the commander, I have deployment for training to South Korea in my first priority is always Soldiers and division colors to a new commander Aug. had the distinct support of Operation Key Resolve with just their families.” 28, closing a long and distinguished career privilege of serving over two months notice and fielding of the “No Soldier is successful in the military of dedication and service to the National with some of the Army’s Battle Command Systems, making without a supportive spouse or family,” Guard. best officers and the division the first National Guard divi- Pierson said. “I’ve been so very fortunate. Pierson’s 39-year military career will noncommissioned sion to be fully fielded ABCS. During his If you look over my career, I could never come to an end, but his mark on the divi- officers the Guard command, the division also assumed re- have accomplished what I have without the sion, where he spent more than 14 years of has to offer.” sponsibility for designing one of the first support of my wife and family.” his military service, will endure. Under Pierson’s two Domestic All-Hazards Response He admits that time away from family is “The best experience of my entire career leadership, the Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Teams in the National Guard. a major sacrifice asked of every Soldier was to be commander of the 35th Infantry 35th ID has taken Pierson “We have been tasked with numerous serving their country. Division,” Pierson said. “It has been an the lead on several missions, some with very short response “I think what I regret most was what I honor to command the 35th over the past important National Guard missions and times, and some, like DART, that we essen- missed with my wife and children. I can tially developed from concept to implemen- never go back and make that up,” Pierson tation,” Pierson said. “But no matter the said. “Yet, you have to balance that with Joint training exercise mission, when I asked this division staff to your love of country. Thank God we have Continued from Page 1 One of the goals of Operation Smoky respond, they did, and with 110 percent ef- families that understand that and we have Kansas Civil Air Patrol, Kansas and Ne- Hill was to certify the Nebraska National fort and commitment to mission success. I people, like my wife, who love this country braska National Guard, Major Emergency Guard’s Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear, am proud of everyone in the division for and who know how important it is to sup- Response Group, Kansas Bureau of Investi- and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Re- their work over the last three and a half port the Soldiers and their families who gation, Saline County Emergency Manage- sponse Force Package (CERFP) team. years. It has been that commitment and ded- help us keep our freedom.” ment, Saline County Sheriff’s Department, “We provide, at the direction of either ication that has put us out in front of other “There was never one thing or one person Salina Police Department, Salina-Saline the governor of Nebraska or federal author- divisions. I am proud to have been a part of that made me stay in for 39 years,” said County Health Department, Salina Regional ity if it is a larger disaster response, for de- the work that we have done here and proud Pierson, reflecting on the longevity of his Health Center, Salina Surgical Hospital, the contamination and extraction of potentially to have worked with so many outstanding career.” It was a privilege every day I got to American Red Cross and representatives chemically or radiologically or biologically young Soldiers, NCOs, and officers.” put on this uniform and work alongside from the FBI and U. S. Secret Service. injured patients,” said Col. James Rose, Pierson is quick to credit the Soldiers these quality young men and women serving This exercise revealed the benefit of joint Medical Specialist Corps. “We do deconta- who work for him for his success as a com- today in our effort to keep this country free.” training between Army and Air Guard mination, we triage these individuals and mander. He says his interaction with other (Continued on Page 7) members. then provide emergency stabilization treat- officers and noncommissioned officers “It is very challenging as a commander ment while we await transportation to a throughout his career is what motivated to try to get them (Army and Air Guard) to local treatment facility.” him to be a leader. work together as a team, to develop that The Nebraska National Guard has been “What has always inspired me most was team-like mentality,” said Lt. Col. Troy A. CERFP certified for five years and are my exposure to great NCOs and officers Paisley, Nebraska National Guard 126th trained to work parallel with local, state early in my career,” Pierson said. “I learned Chemical Battalion commander. “These and federal first responder agencies. The many things from them, but most impor- types of exercises help us do that. It is CERFP received its certification at the end tantly, I learned their philosophy that to hard, very difficult to do.” of the training event. succeed at any mission, you first have to take care of Soldiers. You have to set Sol- diers up for success by giving them the training and tools they need.” Pierson said he has always been im- pressed by the opportunity senior leaders have to affect the lives of the young troops coming after them. “As a young Soldier just getting in the military, I don’t know that I had a goal other than just wanting to serve my coun- try,” Pierson said. “However, as time went on, I saw the opportunity that officers and senior noncommissioned officers had to af- fect the lives and development of our young Soldiers. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying than to watch a young NCO or officer develop as a leader.” Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson addressed Families have always played an impor- his troops during train-up for Operation tant role in Pierson’s career, both his own Key Resolve, a joint U.S. Army/Korean family and the families of the service mem- Army exercise conducted in March bers who have worked for him. 2010. (Photo by the 35th Infatry Divi- “Taking care of Soldiers also means tak- sion Public Affairs Office) Only three months left to apply Firefighters hose down debris at the train derailment venue at Crisis City during the Operation Smoky Hill training exercise that took place July 18-22. (Photo by Jane for “Stop Loss” Special Pay Welch, Public Affairs Office.) Eligible service members and veterans Members and veterans who qualify, or have less than three months to apply for think they are eligible for the special pay Retroactive “Stop Loss” Special Pay. must contact their individual services for The special pay was approved by Con- eligibility requirements. gress as part of the 2009 War Supplemental Information about the program, proce- Appropriations Act. Servicemembers and dures and points of contact for each indi- veterans who involuntarily served or were on vidual service can be found at “Stop Loss” from Sept. 11, 2001 to Sept. 30, www.defense.gov/stoploss 2009, are entitled to $500 for each month So far $111 million has been paid out to served past their contracted end-of-service, 25,000 troops and veterans affected by resignation or retirement date. ‘Stop Loss,’ Hebert said. The average pay- “This additional money, this benefit, was out is $3,000 to $4,000 per claim, he granted by Congress to recognize that con- added. tinued service,” said Lernes Hebert, acting “Congress authorized a fairly generous director of the Defense Department’s Offi- number, so we’re not concerned about the cer and Enlisted Personnel Management of- money running out,” Hebert said. “We are fice, in an interview with American Forces concerned about individuals getting their Press Service and the Pentagon Channel. applications in.” The Pentagon announced the program Oct. An estimated 145,000 servicemembers, 21, 2009. Those eligible must apply by Oct. veterans and beneficiaries are entitled for 21, 2010, to receive compensation. Survivors the retroactive pay. of service members who were under ‘Stop Effective Dec. 19, 2009, per the Defense Loss’ orders are entitled to the benefit. Appropriations Act, stop-lossed service The Defense Department wants to ensure members who voluntarily reenlisted or ex- everyone eligible for the special retroactive tended their service, and received a bonus Members of the Nebraska National Guard CERFP Team perform medical triage on pay is compensated, Hebert said. for such reenlistment or extension of serv- a disaster “victim.” (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke, 105th Mobile Public Af- Each service has its own criteria and spe- ice, became no longer eligible to receive fairs Detachment) cific outreach and application process. retroactive stop loss special pay. September 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Hinkley receives command Ask of 235th Training Regiment By Staff Sgt. Jamie J. Baxter, UPAR As Hinkley addressed his Soldiers and the 2nd Battalion, 235th Regiment the guests of the ceremony, he took the As the Soldiers at the 2nd Battalion, 235th time to thank those in attendance. Training Regiment said farewell to Lt. Col. “One of my favorite definitions of lead- John Campbell, they also took the time to ership is ultimately about creating a way TAG warmly welcome Lt. Col. Douglas Hinkley for people to contribute to making some- during a change of command ceremony held thing extraordinary happen,” he said. in Salina, Kan., June 5, 2010. “I know that the men and women of this Speakers Bureau gives a personal Campbell conveyed his appreciation for Army and the Kansas Army National the work of the Soldiers he commanded at Guard are making extraordinary things face to the Kansas National Guard the Kansas Regional Training Institute’s happen… I don’t think that there is a more Is there a list of people in the depart- certain area of the state and the list goes on. Modular Training Battalion. critical time for quality training than today ment who respond to requests for speak- Anyone who is interested in becoming “It’s always bittersweet to leave com- and by utilizing the combat experiences of ing to community groups? If so, how do I a part of the Speakers Bureau, or would mand of a unit made up of top quality Sol- the trainers in this regiment.” get on the list? like to have a speaker at their event, con- diers who are so passionate about the jobs “I look forward to leading the way with The Public Affairs Office of the Adju- tact the Public Affairs Office at 785-274- they do,” said Campbell. “I have valued the great leaders and Soldiers of the Second tant General’s Department oversees the 1190 or e-mail Jane Welch at my time here very much, and I thank these Battalion,” he concluded, “to continue to Speakers Bureau for the agency. The of- [email protected]. Soldiers for inspiring me as a leader. I am contribute to making extraordinary things fice receives numerous requests every The Speakers Bureau is a great oppor- confident that the unit will continue to happen that effect the national strategy of year from American Legions, VFWs, tunity to get out into the communities and excel and impact it’s trainees under the ca- the United States and for peace and protec- schools, civic groups, and other organiza- tell the Guard story. pable hands of Lt. Col. Hinkley.” (Continued on Page 5) tions requesting military speakers for ** ** ** events such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Send your question(s)by email to Day and Armed Forces Appreciation Day. [email protected] or by mail to Each group has their own specific re- the Adjutant General’s Public Affairs Of- quests. Some groups prefer speakers that fice, Att: Sharon Watson, 2722 S. Topeka have been deployed, are female, live in a Blvd., Room 108, Topeka KS 66611. Ques- New council will represent teens of Kansas Guard families Family Programs is introducing a new Guard Teen Council, the following criteria organization designed specifically for mili- for application apply: tary youth. • Minimum age of 13 (as of July 1, 2010) The Kansas National Guard Teen Coun- • Must have a family member in the cil is being put together to listen to the Kansas National Guard needs, ideas, and suggestions of Kansas • Must have the ability to travel for meet- military children and youth. Representa- ings, presentations, volunteer opportuni- tives on the council will be 13-18 years ties, and community service old, and will serve as role models and lead- • Be willing to hold a term of appointment ers. Darcy Seitz, State Youth Coordinator, for 1 full year will serve as the facilitator. As representa- • Agree to actively participate in the tives of the Kansas National Guard Child Kansas National Guard Teen Council and and Youth Program, Teen Council members selected events sponsored by Family will act as a voice for all National Guard Programs/Child and Youth Programs Lt. Col. John Campbell (left center) prepares to relinquish command of the 2nd Bat- children and youth throughout Kansas. • As opportunities arise, be willing to rep- talion, 235th Training Regiment to Lt. Col. Douglas Hinkley (right) during a change The Kansas National Guard Teen Coun- resent the Kansas National Guard Teen of command ceremony on June 5. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jaime J. Baxter, UPAR) cil will have periodic meetings to talk Council at community events in a profes- about ideas for improving events, like Teen sional, positive manner and Kid’s Camp, and to discuss life as a The Kansas National Guard Teen Coun- military youth. The Council will also be in- cil is dedicated to developing leadership Preventing suicide is volved with providing resources and hand- skills and enhancing life for military chil- outs to schools in Kansas, and will take dren and youth of Kansas. If you would everyone’s responsibility part in opportunities to lead presentations like to nominate a teen to serve on the at community and Family Program spon- Council, please contact Darcy Seitz at 785- By Chaplain (Capt.) Richard Dunn or have experienced setbacks in the pur- sored events. 274-1967 or by e-mail at Joint Force Support Chaplain suit of their particular “American dream,” To be involved in the Kansas National [email protected]. On Aug. 18, 2010, Gov. Mark Parkin- which is adding even more stress to al- son signed a proclamation setting aside ready tough situations. More than ever Sept. 5-11, 2010, as the observance of we must exercise great diligence in Back to School events provide National Suicide Prevention Week in watching out for one another. Remember Kansas. This proclamation points out that ACE: Ask, Care, Escort! school supplies for families suicide prevention is everyone’s business. Each one of us knows a circle of Despite great efforts in previous years, The 190th Air Refueling Wing and “We are extremely grateful for all of the friends, family members and coworkers both military and civilian statistics indi- 184th Intelligence Wing Family Programs support the Kansas National Guard re- better than strangers do. This is what cate that death by suicide is a growing sponsored a Back to School Event in ceives,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting. “The makes our respective roles in suicide pre- tragedy. Each death is an unnecessary loss Topeka and Wichita on July 31. Denise individuals, organizations and businesses vention so critical. of life that affects all of us as a commu- Winton and Hilari DeLarosa, Airman and donating items and money are a big help to Make it your business to monitor the nity. In the Guard community alone, we Family Readiness Managers, co-hosted the our Guard families and shows the commu- people you care about. In our military have had nearly 70 completed suicides events with support from their staff, Fam- nity appreciation for all of the sacrifices family, emphasize the need to extend this this year. Total Army suicides are also up ily Readiness Group, key volunteers and our military members make to serve this level of care to one another at the lowest from previous years. As Sgt. Maj. of the state youth coordinators in giving out country. possible levels. Battle buddies make this a Army Kenneth O. Preston once said, school supplies to Kansas National Guard The Topeka event was held at the Kansas part of watching out for each other. If we “One suicide is one too many.” How do families. National Guard Nickell Armory. The Wi- discover that someone we care about has we succeed in at least reducing the rising The school supplies were made possible chita event was in Building 36, McConnell experienced a loss of employment, a rela- numbers of suicides that tear families, by community support through donations Air Force Base. tionship breakup, or any other setback, we units and communities apart? and Operation Home Front. The local While the Kansas National Guard mem- must step up our efforts to observe and We must begin by making it our busi- American Red Cross and the Dollar Tree bers picked up school supplies, children communicate with that person even more. ness--our mission, if you will--to work were also major contributors to the events. took part in a variety of fun activities. If you suspect that suicidal thoughts may towards suicide awareness, prevention, be present, ASK. Be direct. Show you and intervention. This responsibility is CARE. If someone says they are having Force protection mission yours, mine and everyone’s! thoughts of suicide, ESCORT them to an In the military, we often point to spe- emergency room, mental health profes- Continued from Page 1 fond of the services provided at Camp cific risk factors that place some warriors sional, chain of command or chaplain. to share and learn from our capable Djibout- Lemonnier. in greater danger of suicidal ideation than Please do not hesitate to contact me if ian partners and teammates,” said Hester. “Everyone likes the gym, Wi-Fi and the others. Relationship break up is one of you have any questions or concerns that I “We have an opportunity to represent the galley,” said Mittman. “Camp Lemonnier the greatest factors involved. There are may be able to assist you with as we great state of Kansas, our parents and show has a lot of things that remind you of others, such as: financial or legal difficul- tackle the mission before us. By working people the things that make America so home. Our Soldiers have already contacted ties, depression, substance abuse, stress, together, we can bring these trends down. strong: Our strong desire to help people all loved ones back home and let them know etc. In our current socio-economic cli- Dunn may be contacted at (785) 274- over the world.” that things are fine here. The camp is tak- mate, there are many that have lost jobs, 1514; [email protected] Mittman said the Soldiers were already ing care of them.” Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • September 2010 Soldiers may be coming home, but our mission goes on By Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting Guard still has many missions around the this requiring all of us to be diligent about The Adjutant General world besides Iraq, including the Horn of Recent national news sto- watching for signs that our peers and ac- Recent national news stories have fo- Africa and Afghanistan. ries have focused on the quaintances may be struggling. cused on the last Another critical mission our Kansas As we go into the fall and winter weather combat brigade troops are involved in is aeromed/critical last combat brigade leav- and also continue to face the risk of torna- leaving Iraq. care air transport, conducted by the 190th ing Iraq. ... Meanwhile, does in Kansas, I remind everyone to be on However, the Air Refueling Wing. I had the privilege re- the Kansas Guard still has alert. Sept. 13 is Kansas Preparedness Day Kansas National cently of traveling with this mission, which at the State Fair in Hutchinson, where our Guard will be in- involves moving wounded troops from the many missions around the department will again be displaying impor- volved for quite a battlefield to Landstuhl, Germany, for med- world besides Iraq, includ- tant equipment and providing information while longer. Ap- ical treatment. I’m extremely proud of the and prizes to help Kansans get better pre- proximately 300 190th for seeking out this opportunity and ing the Horn of Africa and pared for disasters, whether man-made or soldiers with the working to make our wing more adaptable Afghanistan. natural. Each of us should make plans for 778th Transporta- for such missions. We have a video of this our families to be self-sufficient for a short tion Company in mission on our web site at: period of time after an emergency by hav- Kansas City, Kan., Maj. Gen. http://kansastag.ks.gov/PR_video_view.asp Enhanced Response Force Package, famil- ing an emergency preparedness kit with will deploy in the Tod M. Bunting ?PRid=716 iarly known as CERFP. The GPJTC and bottled water, non-perishable foods, medi- fall for a year and Another important initiative of our de- Crisis City have earned a reputation among cines, pet supplies and other essentials. We assist in transporting equipment out of Iraq partment that is expanding is the Great civilian and military users which made the should all know where to rendezvous with over the next year. The area is still danger- Plains Joint Training Center in Salina. It in- recent training a reality. This was the first our families if we are separated and com- ous so while combat troops aren’t the pri- cludes Crisis City, an area where civilians time another state’s National Guard had munication lines go down. (Cell phones mary focus, every Kansas soldier going is and military train together and recently used the site for certification. and land lines are often the first to go). One trained to respond to the dangers brought conducted an excellent exercise involving We have been working hard to improve the other thing we can do is volunteer to be a about by potential unrest in the area. There several hundred emergency responders and situation for our families in the Kansas Na- part of Citizen Corps and go to trainings to is a possibility of additional Kansas units wrapped up with certification of the Ne- tional Guard and provide more support as the determine how to assist our community in going in 2011, but we do not have confir- braska National Guard’s Chemical, Biolog- war continues. We have increased staffing a crisis. mation of this. Meanwhile, the Kansas ical, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive - and added more marriage retreats for couples Finally, I want to congratulate a key to help them build stronger marriages. We see team in our agency’s response to disasters: a positive response from these and are the Geo-Spatial Information Systems team pleased with the turnout and feedback. who recently was recognized nationally for The first week of September is Suicide their mapping capabilities and database Prevention Week and unfortunately, the tracking that puts Kansas in the forefront in Kansas Guard has suffered the conse- the nation for being able to better respond quences of this with a suicide earlier this to emergencies. With this information, the year. Nationwide, June saw the highest state has better awareness of the issues fac- number of suicides among Army personnel ing any particular event response and this since the Vietnam War. Thirty-two soldiers allows responders, including emergency killed themselves and while 21 were on ac- management, other state partners and Na- tive duty, 11 were National Guard or Army tional Guardsmen, to better do their jobs. Reserve in an inactive status. And it’s not Congratulations to Jessica Frye, Nicholas just military members who are affected. Graf and Jesse Smith. We’re proud of you! Emergency responders also struggle with Have a safe and pleasant September! Warrant Officer Corps turns 100 By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hector Vasquez more on this new and exciting position. I hope everyone had a safe and Happy We have two new warrant officers in Fourth of July. Happy belated birthday to our great State. Warrant Officer One the Warrant Officer Corp! The official Susan Brown and Warrant Officer One birthday is July Brian Fife graduated from Warrant Offi- 9, 1918. Warrant cer Candidate School. I congratulate officer lineage in Brown and Fife for a job well done. Aeromed and critical care transport missions being conducted by the 190th Air Re- the U.S. Army If you are interested in becoming a fueling Wing mean more injured service men and women are getting the vital med- can be traced warrant officer, now is the time to start ical care they need sooner. (Photo by Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting) back to 1896. completing your determination packet. Since 1918, The next Warrant Officer Candidate Soldier to Soldier there have been School class at the Regional Training In- many changes to stitute in Salina, Kan., begins in February the corps -- Mili- 2011. If you have question on becoming a Kansas Guardsmen on tary Occupational warrant officer, please contact me or Skills, rank, in- Command Chief Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jack Hancock. signia and job de- Warrant Officer 4 The Kansas State Regional Training In- the job in Horn of Africa scriptions, to Hector Vasquez stitute Warrant Officer Candidate School By Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Hester Force Protection missions for Joint Task name a few. received their accreditation last year, al- 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Force - Horn of Africa are demanding and There is now a new MOS which is the lowing Kansas to be a Warrant Officer Greetings to our fellow Kansas Guard challenging. Trained and proficient Soldiers Chemical, Biological Nuclear and Radio- Candidate School battalion regional train- personnel from the “hottest” spot in Africa, that are expertly and professionally led are logical open to all Chemical Operations ing site for a seven-state region which in- Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. First Kansas paramount to mission success. Empower- Specialists. This warrant officer position cludes California, Colorado, Idaho, Soldiers and Airmen are fully engaged and ment and sustainment of junior leaders are was approved on May 10, 2010. More in- Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and accomplishing key to successful protection of all forces. formation will be put out once we find out (Continued on Page 5) their assigned mis- To the Soldiers, noncommissioned offi- sion set as part of cers, and officers of the 1st Battalion, 161st the Combined Field Artillery, I challenge each of you to Joint Task Force - prepare yourselves mentally and physically Horn of Africa. for this mission. Think about defense, PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content From first boots diplomacy, and development for your unit of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- on the tarmac at and how you will implement these three ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- the Djibouti City “D”s into your mission set. olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will Airport back in Focus on the family and ensure that you payment be made for contributions. The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions June, the Soldiers are providing for all of their needs now and may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). of First Kansas while deployed down range. Our spouses, Command Sgt. Maj. Circulation: Approximately 15,500 have hit the ground children, and parents play a huge part in Troy Hester Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office running. With a po- our individual and combined success and Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office lite and professional attitude toward our without them we would not be who we are. Gov. Mark Parkinson Director host nation partners, the 2nd Combined The opportunities for joint service inter- Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment action and multiple foreign military en- Assistant Director

Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 has proven without a doubt that we were in gagements abound at Combined Joint Task Editor Sharon Watson fact prepared to assume and sustain this Force - Horn of Africa. The mission focus Administrative Assistant unique mission. Our Soldiers are in the and the intent of Gen. William Ward, Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 business of building operational capacity, AFRICOM commander, has been clearly e-mail: [email protected] Production Assistant institutional capacity, and the growing of disseminated to each member of our team. Jane Welch human capacity with our African host na- We thank the ones who love us for their The Plains Guardian may be read online at tions. We support, assist, listen, and learn sacrifice and for supporting us during this http://kansastag.ks.gov as part of this African team. deployment. “First Kansas.” For change of address, contact Jane Welch. September 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Northern neighbors train at Great Plains Joint Training Center By Maj. DeAnn Barr ceived when the jets are local.” Great Plains Joint Training Center The role of the F-18s is to support the Ten Forward Air Controllers students forward air controller training on the from the Canadian Forces, along with six ground, the troops who are training to serve CF-18 Hornets from the 409th Tactical as the eyes on the ground for Air Force pi- Fighter Squadron, Canadian Air Force, lots. Through a number of methods, for- traveled to the Great Plains Joint Training ward air controllers communicate with Center in Salina, Kan., for three and a half inbound pilots, guiding them to destroy weeks of training that began in late June. enemy targets and minimize collateral “The Canadians come here for the sole damage. The less time pilots spend in the purpose of training their FACS, in our air getting to a training venue, the more wide-open unrestricted airspace,” said Lt. time and fuel they can spend training the Col. Jeff Maddex, commander of the troops on the ground and sharpening their Smoky Hill Weapons Range. “What the own skills, as well. Canadians have at home is limited and the Currie said the forward air controller certi- airspace is saturated. Smoky is so unusu- fication course is 10 weeks total, including ally tailored to close air support when you five and a half weeks of training with CF18s compare us to the 13 other Air National and Alpha Jets. Two weeks are spend on a Guard ranges. We have over 140 target range in Oklahoma, then they drive five sets; there is no comparison.” hours to Salina to complete the course on Capt. Kevan Currie, senior forward air Smoky Hill. In years past, the F-18s had to controller instructor from the Royal Regi- stage out of Dallas, which could significantly ment of Canadian Artillery School, agrees. degrade training, based on the flight duration “Smoky is a great range,” said Currie. and varying weather conditions. “Not only do they offer us a very complex “Smoky Hill range is a gem of a range Forward Air Controllers Master Bombardier Coelho, Capt. Pelletier-Bedard and set of targets, but the F-18s and the alpha for Canadian Artillery School training,” Sgt. Zaremba from the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School participated in jets can stage out of the Salina Regional said Currie. “The excellent upkeep of their training at the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina, Kan., for three and a Airport. They have an extra long runway targets, overall range area and layout, mul- half weeks in June and July. (Photo by Maj. DeAnn Barr) and a new hangar facility, which leads to tiple observation post and air space allows group debrief between pilots and students me to properly test a student’s ability in and therefore much better training is re- controlling Canadian Artillery School.” Resiliency Center instills tools for coping with military stresses Hinkley receives command By Sgt. Jason Lee injuries, the Resiliency program provides a Continued from Page 3 War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Public Affairs Office comprehensive approach to create physi- tion of the citizens of this great nation.” Staff Badge. Many Kansas Army and Air National cally and emotionally resilient responses to Hinkley joined the Army in 1983 where Campbell’s service to the Army and to the Guardsmen have answered the nation’s call deployment, war and disaster,” said Selig. he served in the Utah Army National state of Kansas began in 1986 when he re- and crossed the ocean to complete tours-of- The Resiliency Center’s Flash Forward Guard as an enlisted Soldier and noncom- ceived his commission from the Reserve Of- duty in unfamiliar and unforgiving lands. program is designed for military personnel missioned officer. In 1990, he was com- ficer Training Corps at the University of Through all their sacrifices, Soldiers and who are in a leadership position and hold the missioned at the California Military Kansas, graduating with a Bachelors degree Airman have found that through everything rank of sergeant or above. The Flash For- Academy. After completing the Field Ar- in Human Resources. After completing Field they endured, ever changing situations were ward program is a one- day “Adult Learning tillery Officer Basic Course as the distin- Artillery Officer’s Basic Course he made his the only things that remained constant. Module” course that focuses on leadership guished graduate, he returned and served way through the field artillery community of For men and women of the Kansas traits, personal assessment, bolstering in various positions within the California, Kansas. His travels placed him in various Guard, the phrase “adapt and overcome” strengths, family resiliency and spirituality. New York and Kansas Army National positions and first brought him to the 2nd may not have meant much on a drill week- The program is designed so that service- Guards, including the 2nd Battalion,130th Battalion, 130th Field Artillery. In 1993, he end, but after they got the call to deploy members can have a personal resiliency plan Field Artillery, deploying with the battal- deployed with the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Ar- they knew that they had a lot of hard and that helps them be a better leader and gives ion to Iraq in 2003. In 2005 and 2006, he mored Calvary Regiment. Then, in 1996, he stressful times ahead of them. them better supervisory skills. served in the Army Operations Center at was deployed to Bosnia with Battery E (Tar- Being in a foreign land for an extended “Individual readiness, collective readi- the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. get Acquisition), 161st Field Artillery. His period of time can cause stress for even the ness and effective leadership can lead to His military education includes Noncom- latest deployment was with the 2nd Battal- most level-headed Soldier. The Kansas Na- improved mission preparedness and ulti- missioned Officer’s Academy, Army Battle ion, 130th Field Artillery to Iraq. tional Guard relies on the Resiliency Cen- mately improved mission response and per- Skills Course, TAC Officer School, Field Campbell’s military education includes ter to train soldiers in learning coping skills formance,” said Selig. “The Resiliency Artillery Officer Basic and Advance Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced to better prepare them to handle stressful Center had developed an innovative course Courses, Pre-Command Course, Combined Courses, Combined Arms Service and Staff and unwanted situations. that incorporates ground-breaking educa- Arms Services and Staff School and Com- School and the Command and General “The Resiliency Center’s mission is to tion, skills training, cutting edge technol- mand and General Staff Officers Course. Staff Officers Course. He is currently at- provide a comprehensive range of cus- ogy and research that will result in His civilian education includes a Bache- tending the U.S. Army War College. tomized education and training,” said Dr. improved performance, adaptation and re- lor’s Degree in Engineering from Utah Campbell’s military awards include the Richard Selig, Resiliency Center director sponse to stress.” State University and an Master’s degree in Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious of pscyhological health. “(The Resiliency To improve family resiliency, the Re- Business from the University of Phoenix. Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Center) instills the tools necessary to han- siliency Center conducts a Life Ties Family His military awards include the Bronze Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Com- dle high-level stress, accurately identify Resiliency Course that teaches families to Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal mendation Medal with six oak leaf clusters, potential problems, and develop both the evaluate their personal strengths and under- with oak leaf cluster, the Army Commen- the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf individual and group techniques to survive stand what a cohesive unified family is. dation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary and prosper in times of great stress.” The Life Ties course focuses on families the Army Achievement Medal with two Medal, the South West Asia Service Medal The Resiliency Center has many ways to setting realistic goals, approaching poten- oak leaf clusters, the Army Reserve Com- with campaign star, the Iraq Campaign assist Soldiers who have been or are about tially stressful situations with a positive ponent Achievement Medal with silver oak Medal, the Global War on Terror Service to be overwhelmed by stressful situations. framework and shows the family new, leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the “Just as one performs strength training in healthy solutions to change a stressful situ- Medal with bronze star, the Global War on NATO Service Medal (Former Yugoslavia), a gymnasium to prevent disabling physical ation into a positive one. Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global and the Combat Action Badge. Warrant Officer Corps turns 100 School time! Be alert! Be safe! Continued from Page 4 the site please contact Lashley at (785) By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marvin Terhune coming to a complete stop when the school Washington. Chief Warrant Officer 4 274-1166; [email protected]. State Safety Manager bus lights are flashing and the “STOP” sign Michael Smith is the battalion course man- The “Dog Days” of summer are upon us School is back in session! All the kids is displayed. Remind your children to stop ager for the region. Anyone interested in be- and one thing we, as leaders, need to take are excited to be and look before crossing the street. Always coming a warrant officer; Training, Advising into consideration is the temperature and hu- back and enjoy use the designated crossings. and Counseling officer or instructor can con- midity. It had been extremely hot and if you catching up with As you drive you have noticed the in- tact Smith, Hancock or me. or your Soldiers are working outside, you their friends crease in people around you not fully en- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sandra Lashley need to make sure everyone hydrates, includ- about summer gaged in driving their vehicle. recently updated our Kansas Warrant Officer ing yourself. As leaders, we must look at the activities. Distractions such as talking on cell Internet site, which contains updated infor- risk management and access the conditions, As drivers, we phones, texting, eating, reading, putting mation concerning warrant officers. Hope- as appropriate. Always work smart and safe. need to be extra on makeup or anything else that keeps fully, this site will improve communications Here is some advice or mentoring to the vigilant around your attention from controlling your vehi- between fellow warrant officers, as well as new warrants, as well as a refresher to the school zones, cle should be avoided. The one second seeking help or advice from other warrant rest of us. Warrant officers no longer are crossings and bus that you look down to read the text some- stops. The excite- one sent could be the second that a child officers throughout our state. There is a also focused only on individual Soldier training. Chief Warrant Officer 3 ment of the school runs into the street chasing a ball. blog located on this site. Now your focus is broader and deeper Marvin Terhune (https://www.us.army.mil/suite/portal/index.j (short/mid/long range, logistics, admin, day is still fresh When you’re behind the wheel and driv- sp;jsessionid=6E749524052779F7439D5EF training plan, etc.). Let noncommissioned on the kids’ minds as they run down the ing “Just Drive.” Of course, always buckle C02221784.appd07_1) officers do their job, but know what their steps and dart from the bus. Obey the law by up! This one act could save your life. If you have any ideas that will improve job is, as well as yours. Page 6 Plains Guardian • September 2010 Soldiers, Airmen compete for top marksman title By Sgt. Jason Lee fire that try to depict more real-life scenar- my fifth time. It gets me out of the office Open and Tech. Sgt. James Dickinson, 184 Public Affairs Office ios that would happen or occur if the Air- and this is a good time.” IW, Individual TAG Match Pro. Kansas National Guard Army and Airmen man or Soldier had to engage in a The overall winners of the competition The overall team winners were Thing teams competed against each other in the firefight,” said Tech. Sgt. David Salinas, were Tech. Sgt. Christopher Barth, 184 IW, One, 184th IW, in first place; 35th ID Red in 2010 Adjutant General’s Combat Marks- competition scorer. “Ultimately, we are in the Individual TAG Match Novice cate- second and Team Romeo, 190th ARW, took manship Championship Match at the Smoky giving Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity gory; Staff Sgt. Lonnie Herman, ARNG third. Thing Two, 184th IW, came out in Hill Weapons Range in Salina, Aug. 6-8. to send more rounds down range with their Medical Detachment, in the TAG Match first place in the Falling Plates competition. The competition featured the M16 rifle M9 and M16A2 rifles.” and the M9 pistol and was hosted by the Though most of the time the competition 184th Intelligence Wing, 190th Air Refuel- was for score, some of the matches fea- ing Wing, the Kansas Army National Guard tured “fun” events in which scores were Area Medical Detachment and the Kansas not recorded for the overall competition. Regional Training Center, Salina, Kan. One of those events was the falling plate Groups of four Army and Airmen match, which was a bracketed event that worked at each different competition to get featured both the M16 and the M9. The sol- the best score. The Soldiers and Airmen diers competed against each other to see were challenged by being given more dy- how many of the plates they could knock namic ways of shooting. The competition down in a timed event with the winners was designed to mimic real life modern moving to the next round. day military tactics and scenarios. “We have individuals and teams compet- “The Airmen and Soldiers out here have ing against each other,” said Staff Sgt. the opportunity to shoot various courses of Matthew Dailey, event competitor. “This is Kansas aviation unit supports Boy Scout National Jamboree

Judges mark and record scores after a round of the Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Match, conducted Aug. 6-8 at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, Salina. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Lee, Public Affairs Office) Himalayan peak the next challenge for Kansas National Guardsman Continued from Page 1 ing forward to the experience. every one of them.” “I’ve been ramping up and getting ready After his leg was shattered in for something exciting,” he said. “I’m re- Afghanistan, Isaacson underwent surgery ally excited, pumped for it.” and spent a year recovering. “I want this climb to remind everyone When the call came about the expedition, that troops are still fighting and dying for Isaacson immediately accepted the oppor- our freedom today and we can’t forget that, tunity to test himself once again. He and not for a minute,” he added. Eleven Soliders and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 1st Battalion, other team members have been training A documentary is being filmed about the 108th Aviation Regiment, Kansas National Guard, provided aerial support for ap- with the Outward Bound organization in training and will follow the climb up proximately 45,000 Boy Scouts and their leaders attending the Boy Scout National Colorado to prepare themselves for the ar- Mount Lobuche. A magazine reporter will Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., July 26 to Aug. 4. The Kansans culminated their visit duous task ahead of them. From the airstrip accompany the climbers, as well. by conducting a flyover at the beginning of the jamboree’s closing ceremony. (Photo in Lukla, it will take the group seven days Information about Isaacson, his fellow by Capt. Ryan Bernard) of hiking through the Khumbu region just team members and the expedition can be found on-line at the Soldier to the Summit The Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 108th Dave Lebbin; Sgt. Charles Frantzen; Sgt. to reach their Advance Base Camp at an al- Web site (http://soldierstothesummit.org) Aviation Regiment recently participated in James Mooneyham; Pfc. Darren Love; Pfc. titude of 18,212 feet. But Isaacson is look- a Department of Defense National Joint Andrew Sprague and Pfc. Kevin Costigan. Forces Task Force in support of the Na- The missions ranged from dedicated sup- tional Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. port for the quick reaction force to move- The Boy Scouts of America host the Na- ment of distinguished visitors and national tional Scout Jamboree every four years and media. During the final arena show, Kansas this particular jamboree was special be- was called on to perform a formation flight cause it marked the 100th anniversary of to open the show. Just before darkness, the the Boy Scouts. Over 46,000 Boy Scouts formation passed near the amphitheater as from 31 countries and 8,000 staff attended cameras flashed. this year’s jamboree. During the 18-day mission, Kansas flew Kansas provided two aircraft, aircrews, 29 missions transporting passengers, distin- maintenance support and an aviation liai- guished visitors, and QRF elements, result- son officer. A total of 11 members of head- ing in 73 hours of flight time. The mission quarters and Headquarters Company, was a success and every member of the Company A and Company B represented Kansas contingency was personally Kansas during the event: Capt. Ryan thanked by Lt. Col. John Till from Georgia, Bernard, officer in charge and commander the Aviation Task Force commander and of Company B; 1st Lt. Lindsey Davis; Brig. Gen. Robert Nolan, Joint Task Force Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dan Fogarty; commander, presented each Kansas sol- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy Earley; diers with a coin in recognition of excel- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brent Rounds; Sgt. lence throughout the event. Join the Civil Air Patrol The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is looking for teens 12 to 18 years of age and adults to join our current volunteers in our important missions. The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force with three primary missions: • Aerospace education • Cadet programs • Emergency services Go to www.kswg.cap.gov for a Civil Air Patrol Squadron near you Capt. Aaron Isaacson (front) is training with a team of other wounded veterans to climb Mount Lobuche, a 20,075 foot Himalayan peak located just 8.7 miles from Mount Everest in Nepal. (Photo provided) September 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Kansas Soldiers will provide force protection for rescue missions By Lt. Col. Michael O’Neal security for themselves. The JCSAR pla- United States African Command toon currently consists of three squads of On May 7, 2010, Headquarters and eight Soldiers who are dedicated to support Headquarters Company, 2nd Combined the CH-53 helicopters and two additional Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment squads of six personnel each to support the was mobilized for deployment with the C130 airplanes. mission to provide support to the Com- While deployed to the Horn of Africa, bined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, the JCSAR platoon’s training focuses on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. While this was ensuring it is proficient in the basic skills to not the first deployment for most of the allow them to be successful in their mis- Soldiers assigned to the battalion, for some sion. The platoon trains on battle drills, this would be their first deployment experi- basic rifle marksmanship, short range ence outside the Continental United States. marksmanship, land navigation, demoli- However, this would be the first time any tions and night operations. of the Soldiers assigned to the battalion The platoon also trains on air assault would be providing force protection for the techniques; which include the ability to United States Air Force Para Rescue per- fast rope from rotary wing aircraft and set- sonnel, for personnel recovery operations ting up drop zones/pickup zones. The pla- in Horn of Africa. toon conducts most of its training While basic infantry skills were required exercises at night to perfect the use of to perform the majority of the tasks for the night vision devices and runs night ranges force protection mission, there were some to increase the comfort level of the platoon tasks which the Soldiers assigned to the members in firing weapons in a limited Joint Combat Search and Rescue platoon visibility operation. would need to learn in order to successfully Depending on the JCSAR platoon’s perform their mission. Soldiers who were The Joint Combat Search and Rescue Platoon practices “fast-roping” from a CH 53 training schedule, it trains with the assigned to the JCSAR platoon had not helicopter. Soldiers of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry, Kansas PARARESCUE jumpers during the week. been associated with any U.S. Air Force National Guard will provide force protection for the rescue missions conducted by The PARARESCUE jumpers make it a pri- PARARESCUE jumper units previous to the platoon. (Photo provided) ority to incorporate the JSCAR platoon this assignment and were not familiar with Lewis, Wash., it became apparent, based on training, and allowed the platoon to correct into their training whenever it is possible. the skill and techniques the Para Rescue the tactics, techniques, and procedures that these deficiencies prior to deployment to The JCSAR platoon joins the PARARES- personnel utilize. the 1st Army unit was using during train- Horn of Africa. CUE jumpers in conducting water opera- These skills were a critical factor, be- ing, that the platoon needed to expand from Upon deploying to the Horn of Africa, tions utilizing inflatable boats to cause the primary mission of the infantry the original three squads to four and add the JCSAR platoon was specifically as- familiarize the Soldiers in using them and units is to find, fix, fight and kill the four additional personnel to the platoon. signed to support Personnel Recovery mis- to become familiar in conducting opera- enemy. The primary mission of the U.S. The key training tasks the 1st Army sions by providing security for the tions in the water. The JCSAR platoon also Air Force PARARESCUE jumper units is trainers for this mission were contact drills, PARARESCUE jumpers and any isolated trains in survival, evade, resistance, and to rescue aircrews, Soldiers, sailors or live-fire exercises and squad/platoon level persons, injured persons or sensitive equip- escape operations with the PARARESCUE civilians and, if needed, to provide medical day/night land navigation training. The ment. The intent of this mission is to allow jumpers. Additionally, the PARARESCUE assistance to stabilize the patient. To help live-fire exercises began at the fire team the PARARESCUE jumpers the ability to jumpers give medical training to the mem- ensure that the Soldiers assigned to this level and progressed to the platoon level. focus on their primary mission of providing bers of the JCSAR platoon in order to in- mission could be successful, the leadership These live-fire exercises gave the teams medical care, extraction, and recovery of crease the unit’s proficiency in treating of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion had and squads the confidence needed to ma- sensitive items, without having to provide injuries if needed. to discover a way to provide the necessary neuver with each other before live rounds coordination and training during the mobi- were fired. It also gave the fire team and lization. squad leaders refresher training on manag- Sinai mission ends with a The initial task organization for the ing the rates of fire and training in control- JCSAR platoon was developed by follow- ling their fire teams and squads while warm Kansas welcome home ing a pre-deployment site survey with the utilizing the various movement techniques By Sgt. Jason Lee visions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, Puerto Rico over varying types of terrain. Public Affairs Office Peace. Army National Guard, deployed to Horn of The 1st Army trainers contacted a Approximately 430 Kansas National “The hardest thing I learned from this Africa. The Deployment Manning Docu- PARARESCUE jumper unit from Oregon Guard soldiers from the 2nd Battalion deployment is that deployments are espe- ment, which outlined the structure of the to come to Fort Lewis to brief the JCSAR 130th Field Artillery returned home to cially hard on the families,” said Sgt. John platoon, was developed based on the infor- platoon members on the PARARESCUE Topeka July 13, and July 17 after being Rickard. “They are actually harder than I mation from the survey. After notification jumper mission, capabilities and tactics. gone for a year-long deployment in Egypt. thought it would be on me because of being of the mission, the initial strength of the The briefings and training the PARARES- The 2-130th FA deployed to Egypt in away from them for such a long time.” platoon was 37 personnel, which were bro- CUE jumpers provided gave the members July 2009 as part of the Multinational It has been a number of years since a ken down into three squads of 11 Soldiers of the JCSAR platoon the ability to ask Force and Observers mission. Kansas National Guard unit has deployed each with two medics, a platoon leader and questions, handle the equipment the “The Sinai mission is not well known to Egypt. a platoon sergeant. PARARESCUE jumpers used during mis- here in the United States. It’s not well “Just seeing how Egypt is and how the The JCSAR platoon operated with this sions, and to gain insight regarding their known in Kansas,” said Brig. Gen. John country is, it made me proud that I am from initial task organization during the pre-mo- future missions. Davoren, incoming 35th Division Com- America,” said Rickard. “The fact is we bilization training in Salina, Kan. After the The training with the PARARESCUE mander. “But, it (this mission) is an oppor- have got it pretty darn good over here com- battalion was mobilized and as the platoon jumpers allowed the leadership of the pla- tunity for us to let folks know that Kansans pared to them.” began the mobilization training at Fort toon to identify the deficiencies in the have gone and answered the call of the na- The 2-130th FA is headquartered in Hi- tion and performed superbly at it.” awatha, with subordinate units located in The battalion was tasked with supervis- Abilene, Clay Center, Concordia, Hiawatha, 35th Infantry Division commander ing the implementation of the security pro- Holton, Marysville, Ottawa and Salina. retires after 39 year career Continued from Page 2 His assignments include platoon leader, Following his military retirement, Pierson 435th Signal Company; commander, Alpha said he looks forward to traveling and Company, 937th Signal Battalion; systems spending more time with his wife, Margaret, control officer, 135th Signal Battalion; and his family, as well as perfecting his communications-electronics officer, 135th woodworking skills. He will also continue Field Artillery Brigade; intelligence/opera- working for his civilian employer, Energizer tions officer, 135th Signal Battalion; divi- Battery Company, for two more years. sion communication-electronics officer, “I don’t know that my wife would know 135th Signal Battalion, 35th Infantry Divi- what to do with me if I was suddenly un- sion; commander,135th Signal Battalion; derfoot all the time,” Pierson laughed. executive officer, 35th Division Support Pierson and his wife live in Maryville, Command, 35th Infantry Division; com- Mo. They have four children: a daughter, mander, 35th Division Support Command, Leslie, and her husband, Terry Henry; 35th Infantry Division; assistant division daughters Kellie and Emily, and a son, Gre- commander (Support), 35th Infantry Divi- gory and his wife, Kassie. He also has three sion (Mechanized); Assistant Adjutant grandchildren Kinsey, Corey, and Colby. General-Army, Joint Force Headquarters, Pierson graduated from Northwest Mis- Missouri National Guard. souri State University with a Bachelor of Pierson’s education includes Signal Offi- Science and Agriculture in 1972. He began cer Basic and Advance courses; Electronic his military career as an enlisted signal- Warfare; Support Operations; Command man. He completed the Missouri National and General Staff College; and the U.S. Guard’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) Army War College. He also earned a mas- “Battalion, dismissed!” With that command, Lt. Col. John Rueger, commander of in 1974 and was commissioned as a second ter’s degree in strategic studies from the the 2nd Battalion, 130 Field Artillery, releases his troops to their families. (Photo by lieutenant in the Signal Corps. U.S. Army War College. Sgt. Jason Lee, Public Affairs Office) Page 8 Plains Guardian • September 2010 Domestic All-Hazards Response Team concept put to the test By Maj. Michael Howell, DART-West 35th Infantry Division By identifying existing ca- Throughout its history, the National pability gaps, DART iden- Guard has responded to hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes and floods many times. tifies which resource can Additionally, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, best respond to a man- show there are numerous man-made threats made or natural disaster. to our nation. The National Guard is preparing to respond to these complex and large scale threats with a new initiative, the natural disaster. The capabilities brought to Domestic All-Hazards Response Team. The the disaster through DART offer a scalable, DART is the evolution of a concept that modular response. began with the use of division headquarters Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson, 35th In- to command and control Guard forces dur- fantry Division commander, has worked ing the response to Hurricane Katrina and diligently with National Guard Bureau and was expanded by Joint Task Force 29 to in- DART-West personnel as the DART con- clude preplanned capability packages dur- cept was developed. Working together, the ing the 2009 presidential inauguration. DART members collectively developed The DART concept uses the planning and Standard Operating Procedures to identify command capabilities intrinsic to a division force packages in order to fill identified ca- headquarters to assist states in responding pability gaps in the affected states. While to large scale events. Using the eight Na- developing DART, the 35th has begun to tional Guard infantry divisions as a force coordinate with Adjutants General from pool, the nation was divided into two areas various states in order to ensure the DART of responsibility. DART–West was formed concept is understood. The initial focus Maj. Shep Woodard, DART deputy, briefs Maj. Gen. M.Wayne Pierson, 35th Infantry from members of the 35th Infantry Division was on the states facing the most danger- Division commander, in the daily update brief. (Photo by Maj. Brian Schoenhofer) and was assigned the states generally west ous scenarios. This focus led to the devel- of the Mississippi River as its area of re- opment of a validation exercise, which sponsibility, while the 28th Infantry Divi- culminated in the practical application of As reputation grows, Crisis sion was designated DART-East and all processes and SOPs developed since assigned the states generally east of the August 2009. City makes plans to expand Mississippi River. DART responds only at The exercise, conducted July 12-16 at the request of the affected state. Coordina- the 35th Division Headquarters, Fort Leav- By Spc. Stephanie Hodges tion is done directly with the Joint Opera- enworth, Kan., focused on identifying the 105th MPAD “Crisis City is going to tions Coordination Cells of the affected and resources the affected states would request Frank Coots, manager of Crisis City, expand. Period.” supporting states as resources are brought to based on pre-identified capability gaps Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- bear on the event. from states which have been historically af- ment, whole-heartedly believes in the busi- Frank Coots The DART not only saves taxpayer dol- fected by floods, hurricanes, wildfires and ness he is in and manager, Crisis City lars, but time, as well. By identifying exist- earthquakes. As the exercise concluded, others are jumping ing capability gaps, DART identifies which Pierson stated, “The exercise objectives on board. resource can best respond to a man-made or have been met.” “Word is getting high speed driving track, vehicle skid train- out through, not ing center, water rescue, live burns and only the military, wild fires. At present, two more training Soldiers get back into the but especially venues are currently in the planning stages. through the first Technical Rescue Tower: The Technical routine after a year in Iraq responder commu- Rescue Venue is a five-story structure nity,” said Coots. suited for high rise rescue operations, rope “They are truly ex- rescue, military and law enforcement cited about the in- search and extraction operations, and credible Frank Coots shoring operations. opportunity of Collapsed Structure: Crisis City has a multi- training courses enabled by the im- large rubble pile with underlying tunnel in- mense size of Crisis City. It is one of two frastructure suited for collapsed structure venues of its size nationwide.” search and rescue operations, breaching Currently, it is providing its users with a and shoring operations, K-9 search for both Technical Rescue Tower, Collapsed Struc- rescue dog and cadaver dog operations, and ture, Urban Village, Rail Venue, Incident heavy equipment extraction operations. Command Center and Agricultural Rescue Urban Village: The urban village simu- Venue. With an abundance of training facil- lates a small urban setting with a number of ities, talk of expansion is on the forefront. buildings of varying stories. This venue is “Crisis City is going to expand. Period,” suited for search and rescue operations, said Coots. breaching and shoring operations, law en- Coots has expressed interests and ideas forcement and military search and extrac- about future expansion plans to include a (Continued on Page 10) A visit from the general

Staff Sgt. Marion Martin opens the hood of M1097 during the hands on portion of Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services training conducted. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Bigelow)

By Staff Sgt. Sara Bigelow classroom training gave Soldiers the down With reintegration training complete and dirty on everything from using a DA after spending a year in Iraq, the Soldiers Form 5988e to the Technical Manual check of Headquarters and Headquarters Com- list, familiarization with things to look for pany, 287th Sustainment Brigade, under and how to classify a leak. the command of Capt. Peter Euler, began Bastian gave a summary of the walk 90 days of driving and convoy operations phase conducted in May, in which he said training. Euler said as the outgoing com- “This phase allows us to get Soldiers on mander he wanted to insure mission readi- the road in a controlled environment that ness so he could leave incoming allows them to drive a simple route in commander Capt. Mark Bastian in good order to get use to the vehicle.” Together shape for the upcoming Command Mainte- with a written driver test, the month was a nance Evaluation Team inspection later great success. this year. The Soldiers of the 287th ran head on This was a three-phase process, consist- into the month of June. The training of the ing of a crawl, walk, and run method of previous months was being put to the test Gen. William Ward, commander, U.S. Africa Command, interacts with a Soldier training Bastian said. The first phase of the as platoon leaders were give the task of a from the Kansas National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th In- process began with the crawl phase to 40 mile road trip in which section radios fantry Regiment Aug. 19. Ward visited Camp Lemonnier to observe daily oper- teach Soldiers about Preventive Mainte- were mounted, safety briefings were given ations and to welcome the battalion. (Photo by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd nance Checks and Services. Instructed by and they would take to the road to exercise Class Nathan Laird, U.S. Navy) Sgt. 1st Class Roy Wagner, this portion of equipment and test Soldier skills. September 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Law enforcement officers train at Smoky Hill Weapons Range Great Plains Joint Training Center hosts Operation Air Force By Sgt. Jason Lee overtaking a school building or office but By Capt Alyson Stockton tions that featured A-10 and F-16 close air Public Affairs Office the overall training was targeted at any 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs support. The training they witnessed in- Thirty Two Kansas law enforcement situations that officers may encounter Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Acad- cluded simulated operations by a Tactical officers participated in the North Central while they are out on patrol. emy’s Class of 2012 visited Smoky Hill Air Control Party unit. Regional Homeland Security, Kansas, In- “We are trying to hone in some of the Weapons Range July 21 as part of Opera- During their three-week visit, the seven cident Action Team Active Shooter skills of the officers that are in the class,” tion Air Force. The range is located near cadets spent one day with the 184th in course, hosted by the Immediate Action said Eric Daniels, Government Training Salina, Kan. order to gain perspective on the Total Shooter team at the Great Plains Joint Institute lead instructor. “We are out here, The program aims to help the cadets, Force, learning what characteristics distin- Training Center in Salina Aug. 9-13. we are shooting, we are working in the who are committed to five years of active guish reserve components from active duty. The training is the last of a series of training structure and we are going to be duty once they return to classes, choose the “After today, I can definitely say I like three training venues for Kansas law en- showing movements and things that they career field in which they will serve after the Guard,” said Cadet 2nd Class Hanna forcement officers. During the week-long need to do to intersect an active shooter.” commissioning in 2012. Marlette. “I can see myself doing this after training at the Great Plains Training Cen- For many of the officers, this was the Cadets observed a day of flying opera- active duty.” ter, officers learned how to breach locked first time that they used the Great Plains doors using a 12-gauge shotgun and how Joint Training Center. They found the to actively engage a shooter with their center offered a variety of shooting areas service-issued rifles and pistols. and is equipped to handle the required “This training is very important in an training the officers were seeking active shooter situation like a high “This facility is very nice because you school. You are walking down the hall- get into situations sometimes where you way, you see the bad guy,” said Dustin are coming into small community style Florence, Lincoln County deputy. “You areas where you may have an active have to learn how to run and go down the shooter or something else going on,” said hallway and get the bad guy as soon as Charles Lindberg, Cloud County sheriff possible to prevent loss of life.” deputy. “If you have those situations The officers were shown how to ap- going on, being able to train in an area proach a suspect who has barricaded like this would be perfect.” themselves in a school or office building The training was approved by the Gov- and although the training was specifi- ernment Training Institute which gets its cally designed for encounters that in- approval by the Department of Homeland volved situations like suspects Security. Ricklefs speaker at national conference on stress By Sgt. Jason Lee ful experience,” said Ricklefs. “The Navy Public Affairs Office and Marines were very accommodating.” Maj. Todd Kavouras shows cadets the type of weapons that are used by aircrews in Tonya Ricklefs of the Kansas National Ricklefs presentation focused on teach- targeting training conducted at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range. The cadets Guard Resiliency Center was selected to at- ing military leaders critical skills to en- were visiting as part of a summer program called Operation Air Force, designed to tend the Navy and Marine Corps Combat hance military family’s abilities to familiarize them with officer career fields and Air Force operations. (Photo by Capt. and Operational Stress Conference 2010 in overcome sudden change or misfortune. Alyson Stockton, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) San Diego, May 18-20, where she conducted “I have had enough years of experience a presentation on “The Critical Impact of to continually see that leadership had al- KCVA selects design for Vietnam Military Leadership on Family Resiliency.” ways directly impacted on the families dur- Ricklefs was the only person from a Na- ing deployments,” said Ricklefs. “There are Era Medal, Medallion and Certificate tional Guard agency selected to be a speaker times during their military careers that I do at the conference. not think a lot of people are thinking about The Kansas Commission on Veterans’ processed on a first come first serve basis. “I recommended to Tonya that she submit that topic.” Affairs has selected the design for the Viet- You may apply by completing a simple a proposal to the COSC conference as a way Conference committee members looked nam Era Medal Medallion and certificate. application form of getting the word out about our Kansas ini- specifically for presenters that focused on The agency is in the process of soliciting (http://www.kcva.org/pdf/vs/Viet- tiatives,” said Dr. Richard Selig, the Re- and were relevant to psychological health bids for the production of the medallion. nam%20Medallion.pdf) and faxing, along siliency Center’s director of psychological and wellness in relation to combat opera- Individuals who served in the military dur- with a copy of your DD-214, to (785) 296- health. “Through that presentation (the Re- tional stress control. ing the Vietnam War era are eligible for the 1462 or mailing it to: siliency Center could) develop additional re- “Strong military members and their fam- Medal, Medallion, and Certificate. sources and networking opportunities that ilies are the cornerstone of readiness,” said Applications for the Medal/Medallion Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs could potentially lead to further collaboration Selig. “All leaders must take a proactive and Certificates will be held at the KCVA Director of Veterans Services efforts on the topic of resiliency.” approach to creating a resilient force in the central offices. Delivery will begin as funds 700 SW Jackson Ave. Suite 701 Although the Resiliency Center focuses footsteps of those before us.” become available. Applications are Topeka, KS 66603 primarily on Kansas National Guard mem- The Kansas National Guard Resiliency bers and their families and the conference Center develops curriculum that teaches was for active Navy and Marine Corps Soldiers how to adapt to sudden changes Kansas National Guard members and their families, the presenta- and how to have the ability to overcome tion selecting committee found that Rick- stressful situations. lefs’ presentation was unique and it The Resiliency Center was initiated after Military Funeral Honors Team pertained to military members of all the number of Kansas National Guard sui- Military Funeral Honors Application branches and their families. cides equaled combat deaths in 2006. “It was wonderfully run, it was a wonder- If you are the BEST and want to work with the BEST, complete this form! Name ______Address ______ANNUAL KANSAS CITY ARMORY City, State ______Zip Code ______Cell Phone ______Home Phone ______Best time to call ______am/pm (Circle one) REUNION Available to train on weekends Yes _____ No _____ Available to train on weekdays Yes _____ No _____ FRIDAY, NOV. 5, 2010 Would like to talk with a Military Funeral Honors Representative ______KANSAS CITY, KAN. ARMORY The best time to set up an interview Date ______Time ______100 S. 20TH ST. Mail to: KSARNG Honor Guard, 2800 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka KS 66611 Social begins at 6 p.m. KSARNG Honor Guard B-B-Q dinner follows Phone 785-271-1520 Just $5 per person Cell 785-438-9202 Fax 785-274-1687 Info/Registration: [email protected] Email [email protected] Page 10 Plains Guardian • September 2010 Awards and Decorations KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Cpl. Zachary Kirkham, ADT #1, Topeka Baby boomers passing the leader- Cpl. Diego Raymundo, ADT #1, Topeka Legion of Merit Spc. Grant Anderson, ADT #1, Topeka ship baton to younger generations Spc. Jeffery Blascyk, ADT #1, Topeka Spc. Kyle Bolling, 250th FSC, Ottawa By Chief Master Sgt. Sharon Clark tion X and the Millennials: What you Spc. Jeremy Burgess, ADT #1, Topeka Brig. Gen. John E. Davoren, HHD JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. Cedrick L Burghart, ADT #1, Topeka Command Chief, 184 Intelligence Wing need to know about mentoring the new Col. Lawrence E. Hannan, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. William Corkins, ADT #1, Topeka As an Air National Guard command generation,” “The Baby Boomers are Col. Timothy R. Marlar, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. Jeremy Ewan, ADT #1, Topeka Col. Michael C. Slusher, HHD JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. Christopher Hanke, ADT #1, Topeka chief, I travel extensively and I pride my- motivated by workplace authority and Lt. Col. Gloria J. Sherman, USP&FO, Topeka Spc. Alexander Horn, ADT #1, Topeka self on being an corporate benefit packages. They are Spc. Victor Huff, ADT #1, Topeka Bronze Star Spc. Joshua Kline, ADT #1, Topeka experienced workaholics, who spend more time in the Spc. Trung Nguyen, ADT #1, Topeka traveler. How- workplace than at home. Generation X is Spc. David C. Zenner, ADT #1, Topeka Col. Eric Peck, ADT #1, Topeka ever, recently I more accepting of diversity. They are Lt. Col. Dirk Christian, ADT #1, Topeka Army Achievement Medal had just settled known as the latchkey kids, with strong Maj. Blaine Clowser, ADT #1, Topeka Capt. Trent Miller, ADT #1, Topeka in my seat on a independence and self reliance. They 1st Lt. John Laurin, ADT #1, Topeka commercial air- perform better when someone is not Command Sgt. Maj. James Crosby, ADT #1, Topeka Spc. Andrew Fuoss, ADT #1, Topeka Sgt. Maj. Jay Jackson, ADT #1, Topeka Spc. Richard Hansen, ADT #1, Topeka line when a looking over their shoulder and expect Master Sgt. Paul Johnston, ADT #1, Topeka, one oak leaf young voice immediate and ongoing feedback. They cluster Kansas National Guard Distinguished Service Medal Sgt. 1st Class Dwane Clifford, ADT #1, Topeka, one oak leaf came over the are also equally comfortable giving feed- cluster speaker system back to others, especially to leadership. Staff Sgt. Jason Carr, ADT #1, Topeka Staff Sgt. Christopher Johnston, ADT #1, Topeka Col. Lawrence E. Hannan, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka announcing he They have a strong mistrust in institu- Sgt. Lucas Atherton, ADT #1, Topeka Col. Michael P. Dittamo, 635th RSG, Hutchinson was the pilot and Chief Master Sgt. tions and tend to be committed to their Sgt. Nathan Hunt, ADT #1, Topeka, one oak leaf cluster Sharon Clark KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD they were ready craft, not their organization.” Meritorious Service Medal for takeoff. The pilot sounded very As for the Millennial generation, the Meritorious Service Medal young and I began to question his capa- article defines the generation as “the Col. Lee Tafanelli, HQ, 69th TC, Topeka, two oak leaf clus- bility to fly! Luckily, after a rather nerv- most child-focused time in our history. ters Lt. Col. Greg S. Salisbury, 287th SB, Wichita, one oak leaf Col. Bradley Link, 190th ARW, Topeka, eight oak leaf clus- ous flight, we landed without incident. This generation was showered with at- cluster ters While waiting to exit the aircraft, I tention and held to high expectations. Lt. Col. Richard A. White, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa, one Col. Jeffrey Zillinger, 190th ARW, Topeka, two oak leaf clus- oak leaf cluster ters wondered if that is the way we treat our They became multi-taskers at an early Maj. Brian J. Komar, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa, one oak Chief Master Sgt. Philip Mahan, 190th ARW, Topeka, one oak Airmen and Soldiers. Do military lead- age, juggling school, sports and social in- leaf cluster leaf cluster Maj. Troy Price, ADT #1, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Money, 190th ARW, Topeka, three ers fear the decisions of our young serv- terests. They are self confident and ex- Maj. Shy M. Warner, HQ, 235th Regt (KSRTI), Salina, one oak leaf clusters ice members, especially when pect structure and stability.” oak leaf cluster Chief Master Sgt. Howard Steanson, 190th ARW, Topeka, Capt. Jeffrey Mann, ADT #1, Topeka three oak leaf clusters something’s at risk? Will the next gener- In my early years, I relied on the mili- Sgt. Maj. Dennis W. Noll, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Chad Bellquist, 190th ARW, Topeka ation have what it takes to lead our mili- tary’s structure, stability and my Baby 1st Sgt. Mark S. Hecht, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Senior Master Sgt. Gary Cox, 190th ARW, Topeka 1st Sgt. Craig S. Tunheim, 995th Maint Co., Smith Center, Senior Master Sgt. Jill Jantz, 190th ARW, Topeka tary into the future? Boomer philosophy to guide me as a su- two oak leaf clusters Senior Master Sgt. Brian L. York, 184th IW, Wichita In my college days, I wrote a research pervisor. I strongly believed that if I led Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Hren, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. Gordon R. Bosie, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Robert Audano, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. Teresa Fulton, 190th ARW, Topeka paper on three generations and how they my Airmen with fair, equitable treatment, Master Sgt. Jeremy Rabb, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Donald L. Gerstenkorn, 184th IW, Wichita, one affected the workplace. The Baby they would progress in their military ca- Master Sgt. Harry H. Salyer, HHD JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Carlo Vassalle, HHD, 635th RSG, Hutchinson, Master Sgt. Troy Hultgren, 190th ARW, Topeka Boomers are currently the longest run- reer. My theory worked until I started su- two oak leaf clusters Master Sgt. Jean Robinson, 190th ARW, Topeka, one oak leaf ning workforce, born between 1946 and pervising multiple generations. It took Master Sgt. Nancy White, ADT #1, Topeka cluster Sgt. 1st Class Randy Cox, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. Curtis R. Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita 1964. Generation X was born between me several years to realize that providing Sgt. 1st Class Jason Good, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. James C. Schlehuber, 184th IW, Wichita 1965 and 1976, and the Millennials mentorship had to become a specialized Sgt. 1st Class John J. Jarrell, HQ, 235th Regt (KSRTI), Salina Master Sgt. Gerlad M. Singer, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth L. Lukavsky, 1st Bn, 235th Regt Master Sgt. Terry Spangler, 190th ARW, Topeka were born between 1977 and 1998. In responsibility. Baby Boomers equate (OCS), Salina my research, each generation created self-worth to work accomplishments and Sgt. 1st Class Martin E. Pittier, HHD, 635th RSG, Hutchinson Air Force Achievement Medal Staff Sgt. Keith L. Bartlett, HHD, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka challenges in the workplace as leaders wanted more responsibility. Generation Staff Sgt. Walter Miller, ADT #1, Topeka struggled to understand the different X required more cross talk, but no over Staff Sgt. Juaquin Orosco, ADT #1, Topeka Col. Derek Rogers, 190th ARW, Topeka professional goals and ambitions of their the shoulder supervision. Millennials Army Commendation Medal Lt. Col. Christopher Gnagi, 190th ARW, Topeka, three oak employees. In the military, we have were good with group mentoring and leaf clusters Capt. Craig M. Cooper, 184th IW, Wichita, second oak leaf standards that hold every generation to worked best in a strong team environ- Sgt. Maj. Lawrence E. Hall Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, one cluster the same level of expectations. As a su- ment. When I applied generation study to oak leaf cluster Chief Master Sgt. Lucian L. Buttel, 184th IW, Wichita, four Master Sgt. Sean Matthews, ADT #1, Topeka oak leaf clusters pervisor, all this generation stuff can lit- mentoring my enlisted core, I alleviated Staff Sgt. Mark Alligood, ADT #1, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Richard Meador, 190th ARW, Topeka erally boggle your mind. Do we focus confusion and miscommunication. Staff Sgt. Daniel Bender, ADT #1, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bledsoe, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Ernesto V. Gonzales, Det 1, 170th Maint Co, Colby, Master Sgt. Timothy A. Kern, 184th IW, Wichita, one oak leaf on what motivates our Airmen and Sol- Communication is what brings me one oak leaf cluster cluster diers or solely utilize our tradition of back to the airline pilot. Even though he Staff Sgt. David Rogers, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. Robin Lewis, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Carolee Tustin, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. Billy R. Mayo, 184th IW, Wichita, one oak leaf military standards? communicated in a professional voice, I Staff Sgt. Justin Underwood, ADT #1, Topeka cluster I believe that in order to motivate and was still skeptical of his ability to fly the Tech. Sgt. Jared A. Hartter, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Mark A. Rush, 184th IW, Wichita, one oak leaf Sgt. 1st Class Michael Dickmeyer, ADT #1, Topeka cluster mentor each generation you have to un- plane. As military leaders, do we trust Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Jackson, ADT #1, Topeka Master Sgt. Peter Tavares, 190th ARW, Topeka derstand what makes them tick. Some our younger service members to get the Sgt. 1st Class Jodi K. Melby, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, two oak Master Sgt. Kathleen Thornton, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Jamel Francis, 190th ARW, Topeka would suggest that generation study is a job done? Sgt. Anthony Boone, ADT #1, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Kent A Niebuhr, 184th IW, Wichita, one oak leaf civilian tool and should not be used in You can read any military magazine Sgt. Eric Cooper, ADT #1, Topeka cluster Sgt. Joseph Debaere, ADT #1, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Jason Parker, 190th ARW, Topeka the military. After all, our profession, the and you’ll see that Baby Boomers, Gen- Sgt. Devry Jeffress, ADT #1, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Theresa K. Spears, 184th IW, Wichita profession of arms, can be deadly. Others eration X and the millennial generations Sgt. James Kellison, ADT #1, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Carola Todd, 190th ARW, Topeka, second oak leaf Sgt. Lucas May, ADT #1, Topeka cluster hold to the fact that our jobs are danger- have real American heroes. They are Sgt. Randy Oliver, ADT #1, Topeka Staff Sgt. Craig Jackson, 190th ARW, Topeka ous and strict military standards are the fresh out of high school, college gradu- Sgt. Robert Patrick, ADT #1, Topeka Staff Sgt. Brett A Peine, 184th IW, Wichita, one oak leaf cluster Sgt. Warren Rogers, ADT #1, Topeka Staff Sgt. Joshua Stuchlik, 190th ARW, Topeka, one oak leaf priority. ates, civilian professionals and long Sgt. Kristopher Simpson, ADT #1, Topeka cluster I agree wholeheartedly, when you are standing military leaders. They under- Sgt. Jeconiah Spangler, ADT #1, Topeka Senior Airman Rudy Belew, 190th ARW, Topeka Cpl. Beau Gene Allen, ADT #1, Topeka Senior Airman Justin McDaniel, 190th ARW, Topeka, second talking about technical expertise in your stand that every mission depends upon Cpl. Nathan Carnahan, ADT #1, Topeka oak leaf cluster job. However, in order to mold our Air- their military standards, technical expert- Cpl. Bobby Gaylor, ADT #1, Topeka Airman 1st Class Matthew Greene, 190th ARW, Topeka men and Soldiers into future military ise and leadership. Baby Boomers have Wichita leaders, I am willing to use all profes- risen to the many challenges that have Sgt. 1st Class Drue Staatz, HQ, 235th Regt (RTI), Retirements Salina sional studies available to me. faced their generation. Sgt. 1st Class Roy Wagner III, HHC, 287th SB, Wi- I have listened to supervisors from the However, their most important respon- Kansas Army National Guard chita Staff Sgt. Anthony Landon, Rec & Ret, Topeka Baby Boomer generation express frustra- sibility is to ensure the members of Gen- Col. Lawrence Hannan, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Lynn Lannon, Btry C (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA, tion in not being able to get through to eration X and the Millennials are Col. David Joe Wheeler, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Kingman Lt. Col. Gloria Sherman, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Randall Sparkman, 2137th FSC, Manhat- the young service members. Could the prepared to accept the baton of military Maj. Daniel Evasco, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Leaven- tan frustration stem from the difference in leadership. We have to trust that this worth Sgt. Walter Craft, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lenexa Capt. Darren Hoskins, HHD, 635th SG, Hutchinson Sgt. Michael Cruse, 35th MP, Topeka what motivates each generation? Accord- baton, regardless of motivation, methods 2nd Lt. Robert Judd, Co B (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Sgt. Kenneth Eurton, Det 2, 731st Trans Co, Wichita ing to Diane Thielfoldt and Devon of study or world events, will continue to Salina Sgt. Jason Hulse, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Phillisburg Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Alexander, Co G, 2nd Sgt. Brian Kelly, 35th MP, Topeka Scheef, who wrote the article “Genera- move forward. Bn, 135th Avn, Topeka Spc. Sterling Addison, Det 1, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st Sgt. Maj. Dennis Noll, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita FA, Lenexa 1st Sgt Alfred Besser Jr., 731st Trans (-), Larned Spc. Brian Stewart, FSC (-), 891st Eng Bn, Iola 1st Sgt Lonnie Lacroix, Co D (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Spc. Mark West, Co B (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Crisis City has expansion plans Topeka Master Sgt. Max Wharton, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Continued from Page 8 tower with a 300-degree view of all of Cri- Sgt. 1st Class Rosalyn Carr, HHC, 287th SB, Wi- Kansas Air National Guard chita tion as well as close-quarters small-arms sis City so that observer/controllers and in- Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Goheen, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Lt. Col. Brian J. Moore, 184th IW, Wichita combat operations. cident commanders can control operations Avn, Topeka Lt. Col. William S. Waddell, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Richard Hartman, HHD, 635th SG, Chief Master Sgt. Alan Conner, 184th IW, Wichita Rail Venue: The first venue constructed at on all of the venues while maintaining line- Hutchinson Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Hren, 190th ARW, Crisis City. This venue includes a diesel en- of-site contact with all personnel. Sgt. 1st Class Richard Jackson, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Topeka Leavenworth Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Johnson, 190th ARW, gine, two boxcars, two liquid cars, a Agricultural and Farm Safety Venue: Sgt. 1st Class Donald Johnson, 35th ID, Fort Leav- Topeka grain/coal car, and a two level passenger car. This venue will include a barn with loft, enworth Senior Master Sgt. Mark E. Post, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Larry Larson, Det 1, 170th Maint Co, Senior Master Sgt. Brian York, 184th IW, Wichita It is suitable for derailment search and rescue numerous pieces of agriculture equipment Goodland Master Sgt. Alan L. Beat, 184th IW, Wichita operations, hazardous material search and including an anhydrous ammonia cart and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Mai, 287th SB, Wichita Master Sgt. Donald Gerstenkorn, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Leonard McNutt II, HQ, 235th Regt Master Sgt. William McClain, 190th ARW, Topeka containment operations, train stoppage train- a grain silo. The AG venue will focus on (RTI), Salina Master Sgt. Gerald Singer, 184th IW, Wichita ing, and many other such training operations. entrapment/entanglement scenarios and Sgt. 1st Class Martin Pittier, HHD, 635th SG, Staff Sgt. Gregory Bates, 190th ARW, Topeka Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Bobby Logan, 184th IW, Wichita Crisis City Headquarters: The building rescue operations that frequently occur in Sgt. 1st Class George Savage Jr., 2137th FSC, Man- Tech. Sgt. David A. Steele, 184th IW, Wichita has classroom facilities, a conference an agricultural environment.. hattan Tech. Sgt. Toney Turner, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Schneider, HHC, 287th SB, room, working office spaces, a state of the For more information, go online to art communications suite and a command http://kansastag.ks.gov/kdem_default.asp September 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Conference builds “Strong Bonds” Use of GIS technology By Sgt. Jason Lee “The speaker/listener technique slows Public Affairs Office down the process of arguments or even The Kansas National Guard Chaplains normal day conversation to make sure the earns award for department office, along with the Family Programs Of- couples are truly hearing and understanding fice held a Strong Bonds Training marriage one another.” retreat weekend at the Hyatt Regency Hotel “(This training) is to help couples at in Wichita July 16-18. every stage in the marriage, “ said Lt. Col. The Kansas National Guard Strong Dana Duggins 287th Sustainment Brigade. Bonds Training retreat benefited Soldiers “(it helps) to strengthen their communica- and their spouses by creating strong sup- tion skills and their relationship.” port networks, and worked on creating The program is designed to be stress free strong mission ready families. so couples can focus on each other for the “By far, the majority of the evaluations weekend. The state Family Program Office turned in after the completion of the week- pays for the lodging, meals and mileage end were extremely positive,” said Chaplain which helps the couples relax so they can (Capt.) Richard Dunn, Joint Forces Head- focus on the family training. quarters Support Chaplain. “Most couples “I think we have learned a lot about each reported learning one or more new princi- other by communicating the new way,” ples to apply to their marriage relationship.” said group participant Jennifer Redenies. “I Couples who attended the marriage re- think I know now where his (her husband) treat were taught several relationship build- goals are for the future, where he wants to ing techniques like learning to hear what be, where he is at now, where his stressors your spouse is saying. The couples learned are and what really means a lot to him.” to become nonjudgemental when dis- Strong Bonds Training retreats are of- cussing issues with their partners. fered to both Kansas Army and Air Na- “We gave them a lot of tools for their tional Guard Soldiers several times marriage. We covered subjects like forgive- throughout the year. Air National Guard in- Jessica Frye, GIS coordinator for the Adjutant General’s Department, accepted a ness and commitment,” said Sgt. Mike Mc- terested in attending need to contact their Special Achievement in GIS Award from Esri International on behalf of the agency. Clellan Joint Support Chaplains Assistant. Wing Family Program Coordinator. (Photo provided) The Kansas Adjutant General’s Depart- Gap Analysis allowed the team to deter- ment received a Special Achievement in mine which GIS data layers should be the GIS Award at the 30th Annual Esri Interna- focus in a phase II project. tional User Conference in San Diego, The project brought together GIS profes- Calif., July 14. sionals, first responders and public/private The award was presented for vision, industry to work on boosting the GIS capa- leadership, hard work and innovative use bility statewide. of Esri’s geographic information system All GIS data acquired and created (GIS) technology. The Adjutant General’s through phase II will be included in the Department was selected from more than state’s common operating picture, Kansas- 300,000 organizations worldwide. MAP. Kansas-MAP is an online web- “I’m proud of the work our GIS staff has based application built for Kansas by accomplished in finding many ways to use Kansas responders to meet their response this technology to further advance our disas- requirements, such as plume modeling, ter response capabilities, while also assisting find closest resource and routing. other state efforts and our many local part- “We created the Special Achievement in ners,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas GIS Award to recognize our users’ extraor- adjutant general. “Our team, lead by Jessica dinary contributions to global society,” Frye, is among the best and extremely de- says Jack Dangermond, Esri president. serving of this recognition.” “Each year, I look forward to being part of Frye accepted the award at the conference. this ceremony; it’s a tradition that has The department uses geographic infor- gained great meaning and importance for mation systems to support the organization professionals in the GIS industry.” Kansas National Guard couples watched a video during a training session for the and the state through geographic database GIS combines computer hardware, soft- “Strong Bonds” marriage retreat conducted in Wichita. (Photo by Senior Airman design and management, desktop and web ware, data, and, most importantly, people Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) based applications and printed maps. The to collect, manage and analyze geographic department was nominated and received information. Virtually any information can You may be eligible for post- the award for the work accomplished be linked to a geographic location, helping through homeland security regional GIS people see that information as part of a mobilization compensation projects throughout the state. complete picture. With GIS, users can view The Army National Guard has been very those leave days to their next deployment. The projects have three phases: County relationships, processes, patterns and trends successful in tracking down the thousands But for those who left the service or don’t GIS Inventory, Most Valuable Professional in the form of maps, globes, reports and of Soldiers, including those who have re- deploy again, that effectively meant they Meetings, GIS Data Gap Analysis. The in- charts. Whether responding to a natural dis- tired or separated, who were eligible to couldn’t take advantage of the benefit, said ventory allowed the project team to deter- aster, growing a business or sharing infor- apply for Post Deployment Mobilization Chapman. mine what currently exists, the MVP mation with the public, GIS helps solve Respite Absence compensation for serving “Congress passed a law in the most re- meetings allowed responders across the re- problems and make smart decisions. More long, overseas deployments. cent National Defense Authorization Act, gion to voice their information require- than one million people worldwide rely on More than 10,000 of the 14,000 eligible authorizing the services to pay Soldiers at a ments during disaster situations and the GIS to learn and plan geographically. Soldiers have submitted packets to the De- rate of up to $200 a day for any PDMRA fense Finance and Accounting Service, but days they earned… but were not able to Thirteen graduate from 235th “there’s more work to do,” said Maj. Gen. take,” said Chapman. Raymond Carpenter, acting director of the Primarily, those who may have earned Army National Guard. days under the program, but were not able Regiment Officer Candidate School The Department of Defense developed to use them, are those Guard Soldiers serv- Thirteen Kansas National Guard officer tional Guard, Salina, hosts the annual OCS PDMRA for servicemembers who were de- ing on active duty between the signing of candidates received their commissions Aug. Hall of Fame and Commissioning Cere- ployed longer than established dwell ratios. the initial policy on Jan. 19, 2007, and 14 during the the Officer Candidate School monies. Its purpose is to pay special tribute For reserve component servicemembers when implementation guidelines were pub- Hall of Fame induction, graduation and com- to those outstanding officers and leaders that dwell ratio is one year deployed for lished by the Army on Aug. 18, 2007, said missioning ceremonies. The ceremony was who were graduates of the program and every five years at home station. Chapman. conducted in Building 365 at the Kansas Re- have since retired, left the military or “If you have a tour ending today, you However, other laws and policies may gional Training Institute, Salina, Kan. passed away. look back 72 months and if you were (mo- affect a Soldier’s eligibility. This year’s Hall of Fame Ceremony hon- Officers to be considered for selection bilized) for more than 12 months out of Typically, a Guard Soldier who serves ored retired Kansas Army National Guard into the OCS Hall of Fame must meet one that 72 months, you may be eligible for longer than 12 months during the most re- officer Col. David Joe Wheeler. of the following criteria: have attained the PDMRA days,” said Col. Dennis Chapman, cent 72 months gets one PDMRA day for Officer candidates receving their commis- rank of colonel or higher, have been the chief of the Army Guard’s Personnel each additional month or fraction of a sions were Ronny O. Adorno, Riley; awarded a Silver Star or a higher award, Policy and Readiness Division. month. The number of PDMRA days Matthew J. Ayers, Wichita; Cameron C. were killed in action or died in a combat Initially, PDMRA allowed Soldiers to awarded increases after 18 months and Crenshaw, Larned; William J. Gardenhire, zone or were held prisoner of war. earn additional administrative leave days again after 24 months served. Lawrence; Lynette M. Ham, Wichita; Erin When the OCS Hall of Fame was estab- for the additional time spent deployed. On average, those who are eligible re- M. Kelley, Meriden; Louis S. Latimer, lished, it was determined that the induction However, Soldiers must be in a Title 10 ceive credit for about 28 days, which trans- Kechi; Benjamin P. Moore, Augusta; Samuel ceremony would coincide with the commis- status to use those leave days. That meant lates to more than $5,000, said Chapman. Ornelas, Manhattan; Edward V. Raschen, sioning ceremony for the officer candidates that once Army Guard Soldiers returned to And those who feel they may be eligible Coffeyville; Georgia S. Schafer, Winchester; that were commissioning as second lieu- Title 32 status, they were ineligible to use are urged to contact their unit leadership or and Matthew R. Williams, Topeka. Officer tenants. This allows the newest officers of those days, said Chapman. their state military pay officer. Candidate Tyson C. Winingham, Wichita, the Kansas National Guard to read the biog- As a stop gap measure the policy was re- For more information, contact ArmyNa- will receive his at a later date. raphies of Hall of Fame inductees, the older vised and allowed eligible Soldiers to apply [email protected] The 235th Regiment, Kansas Army Na- officers of the Kansas Army National Guard. Page 12 Plains Guardian • September 2010 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Alert and ready for action Painting depicts last flight of heroic Kansas Guardsman By Sgt. Jason Lee “It makes me feel proud to be a member Public Affairs Office of the Kansas National Guard organization. The museum of the Kansas National As a former Guardsman it is an honor serv- Guard in Topeka received the first copy of ing the citizens of Kansas along with peo- a painting that depicts Medal of Honor re- ple such as Erwin R. Bleckley. His life has cipients Erwin Bleckley and Harold Goet- been an inspiration to me and many other tler June 14. Guardsmen,” said retired Lt. Col. Doug Ja- The painting, “Mortal Immortal” by cobs, Kansas National Guard command artist Mike O’Neal, was donated to the mu- historian. “Erwin is unique in that he repre- seum by Jerry Hester, World War I aviation sents both the Army and the Air National historian, with a dedication from the artist Guard, as a field artillery officer flying as a to the men and women of the Kansas Air forward observer in an airplane.” National Guard. The original painting was created so a 2nd Lt. Erwin Bleckley was a member of copy of it could be placed on the cover of the Kansas National Guard from Wichita, the 2010 summer edition of Over the Front, Kan. and the first Air National Guardsman a World War I aviation historian magazine. to receive the Medal of Honor when he It depicts the plane that Bleckley and Goet- was sent over to fight in World War I. tler were in moments before it crashed. Bleckley, originally a field artillery officer, Bleckley was believed to have been trying became a forward observer in the 50th to save the plane from crashing after Goet- Aero Squadron, Remicourt, France. Bleck- tler was mortally wounded. Spc. Leonard Herrman and Spc. Jerry Lofland from Battery E (Target Acquisi- ley and pilot, 1st. Lt. Harold Goettler, were For their efforts at trying to locate the tion) 161 Field Artillery, take security positions while conducting Situation shot down by German troops on their sec- “Lost Battalion,” Bleckley and Goettler Training Exercise lanes at Fort Riley, Kan., on July 20, 2010. The battalion is ond attempt to locate and resupply the were posthumously awarded the Medal of preparing to deploy to the Horn of Africa. The STX lanes were utilized to help “Lost Battalion.” Honor in 1922. develop and assess the squad level leadership in preparation for the deploy- ment. (Photo by Capt. Rodney Galindo) School helping Afghan engineers improve skills By Spc. Celia Prince, UPAR ready had vertical contractor skills, but 226th Engineer Company joined so they could become a part of some- When summer comes, most students are thing greater, the building up of their jumping at the chance to put their pencils province. In many of the prior construction down and go outside to play, but in projects, their methods of fabrication were Afghanistan, that is far from the desire. correct, but through the help of the school Students here are eager just to have the the contractors are able to hone their skills chance to be a part of a community that al- and improve those projects. lows schools. For these students, attending May 25 marked a milestone – graduation a school means the possibility of having a day -- for the men of the spring 2010 con- job and making money to support their tractor class. Mubibulla Samim, the new families. The latest school to make governor of Paktika Province, visited the stu- progress in the area is the Center for Engi- dents and saw firsthand the growth they’ve neering Excellence, facilitated by Gallant made to become hirable contractors. Samim Engineering Team and Construction Com- encouraged them in their progress and shook pany. The school teaches vertical engineer- their hands as the diplomas were passed out. ing skills to men in their early 20’s to mid Promising them if they had a problem find- Jerry Hester, World War I aviation historian (left) and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the 30’s from around the Paktika Province to ing a job, they were “welcome to come to his adjutant general, unveil “Mortal Immortal,” a painting depicting the final moments help them take their work to the next level: office and he would place them in a job.” of the fatal flight of 2nd Lt. Erwin Bleckley and 1st Lt. Harold Goettler during getting hired by area Paktika contractors or Shadi Khan, Social Labor director and World War I. Hester donated the painting to the Museum of the Kansas National develop their own contractor company. member of the Paktika Province, also Guard in Topeka. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Lee, Public Affairs Office) From March 15 –May 25, 2010, 24 stu- stopped in to congratulate the students. He dents worked to improve the skills they are reassured the students “that even though already had. Capt. Rocky Hodges of the there are other places to work and make Topeka business receives 226th Engineer Company and his team col- money outside of their country,” staying in laborated with the president of Gallant En- their own province sends “a strong and “My Boss is a Patriot” award gineering Team and Construction clear message.” By encouraging the young Company, Engineer Wajhuddin, to help the men to stay in their own locale, “it would AutoZone in Topeka, Kan., was the re- our Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen is cru- students have a better sense of knowing create a corruption-free government able to cipient of an Employer Support of the cial in our mission of supporting our correct procedures when it comes to their stand on its own” and would open the Guard and Reserve Award from the communities, our state and our country contracting skills. doors for other new contractors to build a Kansas National Guard. The award was when the call comes in.” The students who came to the school al- more stable and productive community. presented Aug. 19, at the Kansas National “When our Guardsmen know they have Guard Army Aviation Support Facility the support of their employer, it allows them #1, Forbes Field, in Topeka. to focus on their mission to the state and AutoZone employs Sgt. Steven Baker, country and succeed in both their civilian and a traditional Kansas National Guardsmen, military roles,” said Lt. Col. David Leger, who is a helicopter crew chief with Com- commander, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation. pany A, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation. The Employer Support of the Guard Baker nominated AutoZone to receive and Reserve is a Department of Defense- the “My Boss is a Patriot Award.” Jose sponsored, all volunteer committee of Vasquez, California Avenue store man- business, community and military leaders ager; and Richard Fortner, district man- dedicated to assisting our nation in field- ager accepted on behalf of the business. ing a strong, prepared and valued Na- “My employer has always been very tional Guard and Reserve force. supportive of my position in the Guard,” The Kansas Committee of the Employer said Baker. “They have allowed me to Support of the Guard and Reserve promote take off work and rearrange my schedule spublic understanding and employer sup- when duty has called. They have been so port of the critical role of the Kansas Guard supportive that I wanted to give back to and Reserve components to advance na- them for all of their support, so I nomi- tional interests and protect the nation’s se- nated them for this award.” curity and gain and maintain active support “If it weren’t for traditional Guardsmen from public and private Kansas employers the Kansas National Guard wouldn’t be for the men and women of the Kansas Na- able to do what we do,” said Maj. Gen. tional Guard and Reserve as defined by Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “The demonstrated employer commitment to Interpreter Dawood speaks with Engineer Wajhuddin, president of Gallant Engi- support of employers like AutoZone for employee military service. neering Team and Construction Company, about the possibility of hiring any of the graduating students. (Photo by Spc. Celia Prince, UPAR)